This Canadian artist’s unusual way of creating art using fire is mesmerising to watch.
Steven Spazuk uses a technique called fumage to create paintings featuring insects and birds.
As the flame splutters to life it singes the paper, creating a pattern wherever Steven moves it. He uses a variety of tools to create the initial soot patterns, including a range of Zippo lighters.
He then adds detail to the pieces using items like a scalpel and feathers, finally sealing the soot into place with spray varnish.
It sure is an unusual method and the way he came upon it is even stranger: “I was dreaming that I was in an art gallery… and there was this black and white landscape,” says Steven.
“I knew in my dream that it was done with fire.”
Steven often uses his dreams for inspiration. “Before I was a professional artist, I used to be an art director in advertising,” he said.
“When you work on a project around a client and you are trying to find these visual ideas all day, sometimes in your dreams you will find that idea because your brain is continuing with these images and thoughts.”
The subjects of his fumage paintings revolve around wildlife, which he cares about deeply. “I’m more and more preoccupied by the way we are treating the planet and the fact that I’m seeing less and less birds and insects, it’s really scary.”
You’d think that experimenting with naked flames would result in a fair few accidents, but the only time Steven has hurt himself is when he accidentally dripped candle wax in his eye. Luckily it didn’t result in permanent damage.
Want to see Steven’s artwork? He’ll be coming to York to display his art in a new gallery soon.
